George Washington has become a near mythical character in American history and culture. Statues, currency, and storybook tales paint a picture of a paternal statesman, the father of a country. But he was a real man with ambitions, flaws, strengths, and weaknesses. Trace the legend and discover the true life of Washington in Virginia, his home state.
At historic sites around the Commonwealth, discover the myths and realities of the famous Founding Father. Whether you're planning a full road trip or just adding a few historic stops to your itinerary, we've got the highlights — and insider tips — that will make your journey historic.
To help guide our George Washington journey, we've got our own GW (Videographer Grey Walters) to give a behind-the-scenes look into several Washington destinations. Look for a GW in the site description for expert tips.
Gain an understanding of the personal and political life of George Washington (and take home some local whiskey) at George Washington's Mount Vernon. While visiting the mansion is a must, you can also explore other aspects of Washington's life through various buildings and tours. Walk through the gardens, explore forest trails, peek into the blacksmith shop, tour the distillery, and discover a Revolutionary War encampment along the Patriots Path.
Mount Vernon's museums and programs tell a complex story. Today, the estate is as much a historic preservation of the story of slavery as it is a monument to the Washingtons. Learn about individuals who lived and worked at Mount Vernon on an expert-led tour, explore special exhibits, and visit the Slave Memorial and African American Burial Ground, where a daily wreath-laying ceremony is held.
GW: The view of the Potomac from the mansion is one of my favorites on the property. Head down the hill to the wharf and you can actually take a sight-seeing cruise!
George Washington probably never chopped down a cherry tree, but if he had, it would have been at Ferry Farm. Located on the banks of the Rappahannock River opposite Fredericksburg, the farm was Washington's home from age six to 22.
Although it burned down, archeologists searched for the remains of the Washington house amidst over 100 acres of meadow and woodland. The original foundation was discovered in 2008 and a replica house was painstakingly constructed, making for a unique and interactive experience for contemporary visitors. Try out the rope bed, pick up a dish, or sit in a chair — then head to the nearby museum to see real artifacts recovered from the property.
At 16 years old, Washington moved to Winchester to begin work as a surveyor. The Shenandoah Valley region of Washington's time appeared to him as a rugged, unmapped frontier. He surveyed up and down the Shenandoah and Blue Ridge Mountains, and legend has it he may have left his mark at Natural Bridge State Park.
GW: In my opinion, this is one of the most jaw dropping sites in the entire state. If you continue walking the Cedar Creek Trail past Natural Bridge, you can explore a saltpeter cave and a hidden waterfall!
Bonus: Stop by George Washington's Office Museum in Winchester to see samples of surveying equipment and step into the old stone building where Washington worked.
Built in 1775, this 4,000-sqft Georgian-style house was home to Washington's sister, Betty, and her husband, a wealthy merchant named Fielding Lewis.
GW: If you visit during the winter months when the leaves have fallen off the trees, you can actually get a view of the Rappahannock River from the back steps of the Mansion. This is the view that the original structure was designed around!
Fun Fact:It was fashionable at this time to have 12-foot-high ceilings with intricately sculpted designs. We know George admired them, because when he was working on his own Mount Vernon home, he wrote Betty a letter asking, “Can I borrow your stucco man?”
Just a few blocks away from Kenmore is the more modest house of Charles Washington, George’s younger brother. The home was later turned into the Rising Sun Tavern, which is now restored to show what historic taverns were like in the colonial era.
Back across the river near Ferry Farm is Chatham Manor, the incredible house that William Fitzhugh built in 1771. It's the only home known to have been visited by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln. The home is part of Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park, which includes four Civil War battlefields to explore.
In 1772, Washington bought the home that would become the Mary Washington House for his mother, Mary, so she could be near the rest of the family. The residence has been enlarged over time and is much grander than the small one-and-a-half story frame house Washington bought. Mary Washington is buried nearby, and although the grave has been lost to time, there is a monument.
Eat at one of Washington's favorite restaurants when you visit Gadsby's Tavern, a restaurant which dates back to 1770. You can still enjoy colonial favorites like peanut soup, lamb chops, and even what may have been Washington's order — roasted duck with corn pudding, scalloped potatoes, and a cherry citrus glace. Half of the property is now a museum where you can see what the tavern looked like in the 18th century.
GW: Gadsby’s Tavern is actually considered to be one of the most haunted sites in Virginia. So if you’re wanting to get spooked, book a late night dinner reservation for that truly haunted feel.
Although he lived at Mount Vernon in the countryside, Washington had a second home built in Alexandria so that he could conduct business in the city. The original burned down, but the town house was rebuilt from the exact plans and is now an Airbnb where you can stay. You'll be part of history if you do — celebrities such as Yoko Ono and Mick Fleetwood have also stayed there.
GW: If you are in for a little scavenger hunt, there’s a hidden George Washington statue sitting on a bench within walking distance of the townhouse. If you can find it, it makes for the perfect photo op!
A charming neighborhood of brick sidewalks, cobblestone streets, and Federal brick homes, Old Town is a must visit for any Alexandria trip. Washington would have walked the same streets, although nowadays there are more ice cream shops, art galleries, and book stores than the Founding Father would have experienced.
Bonus: Nearby Christ Church, built in 1773, is where Washington worshiped.
Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history center on the planet, with dozens of authentic buildings dating to the 18th century and hundreds more carefully reconstructed to original plans. You'll be walking down the same streets Washington did when he visited the colonial government, and may even run into his re-enactor.
Washington was present for Patrick Henry's iconic "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" speech at St. John's Church in March 1775. Attend a reenactment and you'll hear from Washington and feel the emotions behind the decision to move towards war and independence.
GW: For every reenactment, they recruit an audience member to be part of the cast. So if you really want to immerse yourself in history, you can actually play a role in the moment that started the revolution. I’ve done it once and it was super fun!
At the American Revolution Museum, a combination of film, visuals, and great storytelling make the Yorktown campaign come alive, with cannonballs coming right at you in a surround-sound theatre. The museum helps you appreciate the high risks Washington took when ordering a secret 400-mile march of the American and French forces to surround and cut off the British.
Part of Colonial National Historical Park, a visit to Yorktown Battlefield will put you on the ground where the American Revolution was won. In 1781, Washington led the American forces, allied with the French, in a siege of General Charles Lord Cornwallis's British army. Cornwallis surrendered in October, effectively ending the war.
One of Virginia's more odd historical destinations, the Presidents Heads are an intriguing, decaying monument to presidential history. The giant sculptures came from a now-defunct outdoor museum, and are currently located on private property. However, you can see the heads at special events throughout the year.
GW: The best time of day to visit is near sunrise or sunset. The light shines directly though the sculptures giving you the most unique experience and the best photos!
Take in all the sites in Virginia's Historic Triangle — Yorktown, Williamsburg, and Jamestown — along the Colonial Parkway. The 23-mile roadway will appeal to history buffs as well as nature and outdoor lovers. It was designed as a scenic journey to take travelers through 400 years of American history, complete with views of the James and York Rivers and shady passageways of forests and bridges.
George Washington and Thomas Jefferson may not have always agreed, but they worked closely together as Virginia planters, Revolutionary figures, and politicians. Explore one of Jefferson's greatest achievements by walking the grounds of the University of Virginia, where you'll also be able to take in beautiful architecture, history, and visual art.
GW: See if you can find all of the Thomas Jefferson statues on grounds. Last I counted there were four!
Tour Jefferson's home and learn about the people who lived and worked on his estate, Monticello. Located outside Charlottesville, the grounds and mansion are a beautiful architectural achievement. There's a variety of history to explore and grapple with, from hiking trails and storied gardens to specialized tours and exhibits.
Another Founding Father and the fourth President of the United States, James Madison lived at Montpelier. For those interested in Constitutional history or the experience of enslaved people during the time period, the estate is a must-visit. The grounds also include over eight miles of trails going through horse pastures, wildflower meadows, and forests.
Virginia gained its moniker "The Mother of Presidents" because it produced four of the first five presidents, and eight in total — more than any other state. Explore more historic homes and sites around the Commonwealth.
Planning a trip to Charlottesville, Richmond, Alexandria, or Williamsburg? We've got complete city guides for all of them — check out our recommendations so you'll know where to eat, stay, and what historic (and non-historic) attractions to add to your itinerary.
